THE BRISBANE Lions have to forget about last weekend's heroics or risk being opened up by Essendon on Saturday night, coach Chris Fagan says.

The Lions were upset winners against Gold Coast in round one, and face a Bombers team at the Gabba that is fresh off an emotion-charged victory over Hawthorn.

Coach Fagan said there was plenty to like about the win over the Suns, but hinted the Lions would need to be even better to beat the Bombers.

"Essendon are a formidable opponent," he said.

"They played extremely well against Hawthorn last week.

"Not too many teams have been able to do that against Hawthorn the last four or five years and Essendon were able to.

"They're on a journey, so we need to quickly forget about the great things that happened last week and be ready for what's coming tomorrow night."

Fagan flew to Mackay during the JLT Community Series to see the Bombers up close against the Suns, and after watching them dispose of his former club Hawthorn last week, said there was a lot to like.

"They're a team that can move the ball incredibly quickly," he said.

"They love to bring the ball into the corridor, their forwards are really dangerous, they work well as a team and they've got a strong group of midfielders.

"Generally speaking they're a good all-around team.

"A vey important part of our game tomorrow night is our ability to defend quickly and stop that ball movement and hold them up a little bit."

Jack Frost will play his first game for the Lions after missing last week through suspension, with Fagan saying the former Magpie's inclusion will allow versatile Dan McStay to swing to the forward line.

The Lions had their first run of the year on the Gabba on Friday morning under sunny skies.

The ground was drenched by over 200mm of rain on Thursday, but looked an absolute treat with no surface water or any hint of problems.

"The ground was fantastic. It was so good to be out there," Fagan said.

"That's the first time since the day I was appointed way back in October that I've got to stand on the Gabba. It's really exciting for all of us."